Typewriting machine



E. E. BARNEY.

TYPEWRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 12, 1920.

Patented Apr. 4, 1922.

NVENTF 51ML, HIEATTURNEY Asrfrlis OFFICE.,

EDWIN E. BARN EY, OF NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO REMINGTON TYPE- WRITER COMPANY, 0F ILION, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

TYPEWR-ITING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed November 12, 1920. Serial No. 423,606.

To all whom it may concern.'

Be it known that I, EDWIN E. BARNEY, citizen of the United States, and resident of New Rochelle, in the county of Westchester and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Typewriting Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to devices for connecting the type bars and printing keys of writing machines, and its general object is to provide new and'improved devices of the character specified. Stated more specifically, one object of the invention is to provide a novel latching device for preventing the disconnection of certain of the elements of the train of type bar actuating devices; and another object is to provide restoring means for the actuating devices and arresting means for certain of said devices, the said means so co-operating as to provide for a quick starting of the type bar actuating train and the lessening of noise and wear in said train.

To the above and other ends which will hereinafter appear, my present invention consists in the features of construction, cornbinations of devices and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

1n the accompanying drawing* Figure 1 is a fragmentary front to rear vertical sectional view of a typewriting machine embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the novel latching device in inoperative position.

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on a plane indicated by the dotted line min Fig, 2 and looking in the direction of the arrow at said line.

, Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view' of a connecting link.

Figure 5v is an enlarged perspective view of the novel latching device.

Figure 6 in an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a lever included in the train of type bar actuating devices.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on a plane indicated by the dotted line g/-g/ in Fig. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrow at said line.

ln Fig. 1, which illustrates aA typcwriting machine of the general character more fullv disclosed in the joint application of J. H.

Barr and E. E. Barney, Serial No. 403,780 filed August 16, 1920, and in my prior apphcation, Serial No. 419,745 led October Patentedl Apr. 4, 1922.

26, 1920 the main frame of the machine comprises side frames 1 above which is mounted a traveling carriage (not shown) carrying a platen 2, diagrammatically illustrated. (lo-operative with the front face of said platen are type bars or printing .instrumentalities 3 which are arranged in an arc of a circle below the platen and are normally horizontally disposed, their free ends resting on a curved pad or stop meinber 4 mounted on a support 5. At their rear, the type bars are pivoted on a common pivot wire 6 mounted on a vertical type bar support or segment 7 from which the type bar support 5 is also supported. Each l type bar is formed with an inclined or cani slot 8` engaging with which is a headed pin 9 projecting laterally from the free end of the longer horizontally extending arm of a driver or bell crank 10, the series of drivers 10 being arranged in guide slots 1l in the rear face of the support 5, said drivers having acommon pivot wire 12 mounted. on said support. The shorter radially extending arm of each driver or bell crank 10 is disconnectibly connected with a link or connecting device 13 shown detached in Fig. 4, said link comprising a round body portion and two flattened or spatulatev ends 14 which are provided or formed with'pins or hook devices each comprising a shank 15 projecting laterally from the end portion 14 and terminating in an enlargement or head 16. These heads l preferably extend oppositely from each other, that is the front one extends downward from its shank 15 while the one at the rear of the link extends upward. Thet'orward hook device or pin of each link cooperates With-an elongated slot or opening indicated at 17 formed in the lower or outer end portion of the short' arm of the associate driver 10. The opening 17 corresponds in shape with the head 16 of its pin or hook but is of slightly greater dimensions so that when the head is in register with the opening 17 it will pass freelv therethrough enabling the sha-nk 15 of the pin;` to enter the hole 17. When said shank rests on the bottom or lower closed end of the hole 17, the head 16 is out of register withthe hole 17 and dis- `lower parts of the side frames 1. The opening 18 is round and is slightly greater in diamenter than the width of the head 16 so that said head may be passed freely therethrough when the link is slightly turned for the purpose. The cylindrical shank or neck portion 15 of the pin is adapted to it loosely in the associate hole 18 when the link 13 has been properly adjusted in place, at which time saidlink will connect the two elements 1() and 19.'

The element or angular lever 19 is provided with a laterally extending headed pinv22 which engages in a slot-way indicated at 23 formed in the rear arm of a printing key lever 24, the set of key levers extend- `ing forward and being pivoted on fulcrum wires r25 y mounted on the sub-frame 21. Each key lever terminates at its forward end in an upright extension or stem 26 which is n provided with a cap or printing key 27.

` A pad" or rest 28 which may be ofvfelt or other suitable 4material is arranged above the forward arms of the set of key levers 24 and in such position that the upper edges of said arms may contact with said pad when the key levers are' in normal position, the pad` thus serving as a'stop for the key levers. The pad 28 may be secured to the lower Aface of a cross bar 29 which may be of wood, said cross bar extending transversely of the key levers and near the front faces of the plates 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the end portions ofthe cross bar 29 are undercut to provide ears 30 which receive adjustable contacts or hollow screws 31 that are threaded into the ears from the under side, each hollow screw being provided with a nick 32 to accommodate a screw driver. The bore 33 of each hollow screw is tapped to receive the shank of a headed screw 34 which passes through a hole formed in a combined cover and comb yplate 36 extending transversely of the front and surrounds and protects the keyboard of the machine, its rear ends being suitably secured as by rivets l38 to the. frame plates. The cover plate 36 is angularly shaped and is arranged near the top of the frame meniber 37 being provided at its vertical side with guide slots 39 through which the key By the described construction the pad or stop 28 is adjust-ably supported on the frame of the machine above they key levers. The tops of the hollow screws 31 contact with the under face of the cover plate 36, said plate being in effect clamped between the screws 314 andthe heads of the screws 34. It will be apparent that the further the hollow screws 31 are threaded up through the ears 30 they lower will the pad or stop 28 be adjusted and the sooner will the key levers 24 be arrested during their return movements. The pad 28 is so adjusted that the key levers will be stopped by it as soon as the associate type bars are arrested by the pad or stop 4.

In the presence 'instance restoring spring mechanism is provided for the type bar actuating mechanism, said spring mechanism being separate from both the type bars and key levers and being connected to the train of connecting devices, in the present instance to the drivers or bell cranks 10. For each type bar action there is provided a coiled restoring spring 40, the forward end of which is connected to a relatively sta` tionary anchorage or anchor plate 41 sup-` ported on screws 42 having flanges 43, said screws'being threaded into the front face of the support 5. It will be understood that the`pull of the springs 40 maintains the anchor plate 41 in contactive engagement with the flanges 43. which provide adjustable stops vor abutments. for the anchor plate. The rear end of each spring 40 is formed into a loop or hook portion 40 for conveniently attaching the spring to thel train of type lbar actuating mechanism. Said spring is directly connected to a novel device for latching or locking the connecting link 13 to the two members 10` and 19, said device designated Vas a whole by the numeral 44 being shown in detail in Figs.

2, 3 and 5. The qlatching device 44 is preferably made of sheet metal and is bent into a U-shape lproviding two parallel sides between which the iiat short arm of the driver 10 is loosely embraced. 4rI`he sides of the latch are formed with holes 45 and near its upper end said latch is cut out as indicated at 46, providing a narrow bridge 47 connecting the two sides at the top and over which the hook portion 40' of the spring 40 is hooked. The lower face 48 of one or both of the sides of the latch is curved or inclined to provide a stopi surface or edge to co-operate with thel hook device or pin 15, 16 at the front of the associate link. The holes 45 accommodate a headed pin or loose rivet 49 which passes through said holes and also through an 'intermediate hole in the short arm of the driver 10, said pin being upset at the end opposite from its head so that it may not be accidentally displaced or withdrawn. The pin 449 provides a pivotal connection between the latch 44 and the driver on which it is mounted. Nor

mally the spring 40 maintains the latch 44 in the position shown in Fig. 1, the faces or edges 48 being disposed above and contiguous to the top of the front hook or pin 15, 16, thus preventing said pin from rising in its slot 17 and holding it down so that any tendency toward lateral withdrawal or disconnection is prevented by engagement of the head 16 with the portion 1()lpt of the driver 10. It will be understood that this also prevents the disconnection of the rear end of the link 13 from the lever 19 since the rear pin 15, 16 can only be withdrawn from the hole 18 by turning the link somewhat on its longitudinal axis, and such turning is prevented by the latch 44. In other words, the latch 44 serves asa latch or lock for both ends of the link, preventing disconnection of both of the hook devices on' said link from the members or parts 10 and 19. In order to disconnect the link 13 f rom these members of the train of actuating devices it is necessary to push or swing the latch 44 on its pivot 49 from the position or forced into the Fig. 2 position the front hook or -pin 15, 16 is free so that it may be lifted far enough to be withdrawn sidewise through the hole or slot 17, after which the link may be turned on its longitudinal axis sufliciently to enable the rear pin 15, 16 to be withdrawn from the hole 18. On being released, the latch will be restored from the Fig. 2 to the Fig. 1` position by the spring 40; and it will. be understood that as soon as the latch is arrested in its rotation about its pivotal axis 49 by contact of its lower front end with the front edge of the driver 10, the pull or tension of said spring will be transmitted to said driver and through it to the other devices comprised in the type bar action including the type bar 3, link 13, lever 19 and key lever 24. It is preferable to provide the latch 44 with two stop faces 48 so as to provide stops at both sides of the hole 17 to engage the top of the hook shank 16 and prevent rising of the link 13. vWith two stop faces the latch 44 is always operative even if there is considerable lateral play of the shank 15 in the hole 17. The tops of the heads 16 may be rounded off to facilitate connection and disconnection.

The effect of the spring 4Q. is to maintain the type bar and key lever in Contact or engagement with their respective pads or stops, and after actuation of the type bar to restore said type bar and key lever together with the intermediate connecting de vices to normal position. The construction is such that the spring action takes up lost motion at the points of connection in the train of type bar actuating devices, so that as soon as the initial depression of a printing key takes place the associate type bar will start to move towards the platen, with out, as in prior constructions, it being necessary to take up the lost motions in the joints of the pivotal points of the actuating train before the type bar begins to move. Furthermore, the noise and rattle resulting from such taking up of lost motion both at the beginning and at the end of the type bar strokes is substantially done away with.

Various changes may be made without de parting from my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a key-operated train of mechanism including two disconnectible elements, a

latching device, and spring means acting on said latching device to normally maintain it in position to prevent said disconnectible elements from being disconnected, said spring means also operating to vrestore said train of mechanism to normal position after operation.

2. In a typewriting machine, the combina tion of a type bar, a printing key, a train of devices connecting said printing key with said type bar including a plurality of disconnectible elements, a latch for preventing the disconnection of said elements, and restoring means for the type bar connected to said latch.4

3. In a typewriting-machine, the combination of a type bar, a printing key, a train of devices connecting said printing key with said type bar including av plurality of disconnectible elements, a latch for preventing the disconnection of said elements, and a coiled spring connected to said latch at one end, the other end of said spring having a relatively stationary anchorage.

4. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a printing key, a train of devices connecting said printing key with lsaid type bar including a plurality of diskconnectlble elements, a latch for said disconnectible elements pivoted to one of said elements, anda type bar restoring spring connected to said latch. f

5. In a typewritingmachine, the combination of a platen, a type bar, a key level', a

train of mechanism connecting said type bar and Said key lever, said train including two disconnectible elements, one provided with an elongated slot and the other provided with a pin having an elongated head, said pin normally engaging in said slotua latch U-shaped in cross section and embracing said slotted element to which it is attached, said latch being provided with faces engaging said pin to lock its elongated head out of register withy said elongated slot, and a spring operative on said latch to maintain it normally so engaged with said pin.

6. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a driver, a key lever, connections between said key lever and said driver including a link having a pin and slot connection with said driver, a spring pressed latch preventing the disconnection of said pin and slot connection, and a type. bar restoring spring constantly effective on said latch.

7. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a printing key, connections between said ftype bar and said printing key comprising an element provided with a slot and an element provided with a pin engaging in said slot, a latch sup.

ported on said slotted element and engaging with said pin, and spring means for restoring the type bar connected to said latch.

8. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a printing key, connections between said type bar and saidprint-V ing key comprising an element provided with a slot and an element provided with a pin engaging in said slot, a latch' pivoted to said slotted element, and -a type bar restoring spring connected to said latch and constantly tending to maintain it interlocked with said pin.

A9. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a type bar, a driver provided with a slot, a link having a pin engaging in said slot, a printing key connected to said link, a U-shaped latch embracing said driver and'pivoted thereon, and a type bar restoring spring connected to said latch and constantly tending to swing it into position to engage said pin at opposite sides of said driver to maintain said driver interlocked with said link. A

10. In a typewriting machine, the coinhinaf tion of a platen, a type bar, a lever connected thereto and having a lat arm formed with 'an elongated slot, a key operated member provided with a pin having an elongated head, said pin normally engaging in said slot, a latch pivoted on said flat arm and provided with faces engaging said pin to lock said elongated head out of register with said elongated slot, and a spring connected to said latch and tending constantly'to maintain itv engaged with said pin, said spring acting to restore said type bar and its actuating mechanism after printing operations.

11. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a printing key, a train of actuating mechanism between said key and said type bar comprising two elements and also a connecting link between said elements and having pin and slot connections with both of them, a latch preventing disconnection ot said pin an slot connections,

and a type bar restoring spring connected to saidilatch and tending to maintain it in etfective position.

l2. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a driver, a printing key, a lever connected thereto, a connecting link having a pin and slot connection with said driver and a pin and slot connection with said lever, a latch, and a type bar restoring spring connected to said latch and tending to maintain it in position to prevent disconnection of said link both from said driver and from said lever.

13. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a key lever, a train of devices connecting said type bar with said key lever including a plurality of disconnectible elements, a latch for preventing disconnection of said disconnectible elements, and a spring` for restoring said type bar and said key lever, said spring having one end connected to said latch and tending constantly to maintain it in effective position. 4

14. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a printing key, a train of devices connecting said type bar and said printing key including two elements and also a connecting link having oppositely projecting hooks engaging said two elements, and a latch on one of said elements co-operating with said link to prevent dis-- engagment of said hooks.

15. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a type bar, a printing key, a train of devices connecting said type bar and said printing key including two elements and a connecting link having oppositely projecting hooks engaging said two elements, a latch on one of said elements co-operating with said link to prevent disengagement of said hooks, and a restoring spring for said type bar, said restoring spring also acting to maintain saidlatch in effective position.

16. In a typewriting machine, the lcombil nation of a platen` .a type bar, `a lever connected thereto and having a flat arm formed with an elongated slot, a key operated member formed with an opening, a link having oppositely extending hooked devices, one engaging in said slot and one engaging in said opening, a link latch pivoted to said fiat arm and engaging normally with one of said hooks, and a type bar restoring spring connected to said latch and tending constantly to maintain it engaged with said hook, `said spring acting to restore said type b ar and its actuating mechanism after printing operations.

17. In a front strike typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a type bar normally horizontally disposed, a rest or pad for said type bar, a driver connected to said type bar, a lever, a disconnectible link connecting said driver with said lever, a key lever connected to said lever, a rest or pad for said key lever, a link latch pivoted on said driver, and a spring connected to said latch and operating on it to prevent disconnection of said link, said spring also taking up lost motion in the train of connections and tending to maintain said type bar and said key lever in contact with their re# spective rests or pads.

18. ln a typewriting machine, the combination of a key lever, a pad or stop therefor, a bar to which said pad is secured, a hollow screw threaded upward through said bar and adapted to contact with a part of the Jraine of the machine, and a headed screw passing downward through an 'opening in said part 15 and screwed into the' hollow bore of said hollow screw.

Signed at the borough of Manhattan, city of New York, in the count of New York, and State of New York, this 10th day of 20 November, A. D. 1920.

EDWIN E. BARNEY.

Witnesses:

LILLIAN NELSON, CHARLES E. SMITH. 

